The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is Australia’s national environmental legislation. It protects nationally significant animals, plants, habitats and places. These are called ‘protected matters’.
Agricultural land managers play a key role in protecting the environment, so they need to know about the EPBC Act.
If a new project on your property (including clearing vegetation) is likely to have a significant impact on a protected matter, you need to refer the matter to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). You may also need state or local government approvals.
For more information, see the following:
- Referrals and environmental assessments under the EPBC Act
- What's protected under the EPBC Act
- Protected Matters Search Tool
- Independent review of interactions between the EPBC Act and the agriculture sector.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about making a referral under the EPBC Act, contact DCCEEW by:
- Email: EPBC.Referrals@dcceew.gov.au
- Call 1800 423 135 to leave a voicemail message. We will return your call as soon as possible.